Three Poems from FELICITY by Mary Oliver

I finally got ahold of FELICITY by MaryOliver, and I have three favorite poems from the book to share with you:

That Little Beastby Mary OliverThat pretty little beast, a poem,has a mind of its own.Sometimes I want it to crave applesbut it wants red meat.Sometimes I want to walk peacefullyon the shoreand it wants to take off all it's clothesand dive in.

Sometimes I want to use small wordsand make them importantand it starts shouting the dictionary,the opportunities.

Sometimes I want to sum up and give thanks,putting things in orderand it starts dancing around the roomon its four furry legs, laughingand calling me outrageous.

But sometimes, when I'm thinking about you,and no doubt smiling,it sits down quietly, one paw under its chin,and just listens.

Everything That Was Brokenby Mary Oliver Everything that was broken hasforgotten its brokenness. I livenow in a sky-house, through everywindow the sun. Also your presence.Our touching, our stories. Earthlyand holy both. How can this be, butit is. Every day has something init whose name is forever.

The Giftby Mary Oliver

Be still, my soul, and steadfast.Earth and heaven both are still watchingthough time is draining from the clockand your walk, that was confident and quick,has become slow.

So, be slow if you must, but letthe heart still play its true part.Love still as once you loved, deeplyand without patience. Let God and the worldknow you are grateful.That the gift has
been given.

I have this book, but am reading several others plus the Cybils finalists, but now you've made me want to run over and start reading. These are lovely, but I love how she talks about a poem, makes it live for all of us. The third one is such a love poem, isn't it? Thanks, Irene.

I haven't gotten this collection yet, but I love Mary Oliver so eventually it will find its way to my hands. The three poems you shared today have already found their way to my heart. Thank you, Irene. : )

I looked at this book last week at Tattered Cover and put it back, I wanted it, but just thought I should not spend any more money on books! Now I know I have to go back and buy it. And will you please read the rest of the poems and send them? I loved listening to your performances! Beautiful! Thank you!

I looked at this book last week at Tattered Cover and put it back, I wanted it, but just thought I should not spend any more money on books! Now I know I have to go back and buy it. And will you please read the rest of the poems and send them? I loved listening to your performances! Beautiful! Thank you!

Thank you for sharing these, Irene. I read this book last weekend and an simply in awe of Mary Oliver's genius. I've been rereading over the past week, and have several favorites. This line has become my mantra: "Things take the time they take. Don't worry."

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Words to Live By

"Err on the side of love." - my Mama

"Life isn't about finding yourself.Life is about creating yourself."- Anonymous

“Love. Fall in love and stay in love. Write only what you love,and love what you write.The key word is love.You have to get up in the morning and write something you love, something to live for.”- Ray Bradbury